Seashells - craft ideas?

[clockwatcher]

I took the boys for a walk along the beach this afternoon and we've collected loads of shells, but now we don't really know what to do with them. DS will probably take a few into school for the nature table, but that still leaves us with quite a lot.

I was wondering if anyone could suggest any craft activities with the shells. I remember I once decorated a pot or jar by covering it with Polyfilla and setting little shells into it, but the ones we've collected are a bit big for that - mainly 1-2" across, some even bigger.

Any suggestions gratefully received - TIA.

[Deedee]

get a decoupage type of frame and do a Shell picture for your bathroom!

Pop them in a glass bowl.

Make a Shell garden

[clockwatcher]

Oh, I like the shell picture idea - could also solve the Christmas present for elderly relatives problem! Thanks, Deedee.

Any more ideas, anyone?

[Grace & Favour]

You could always buy loads of small hermit crabs - - and then install them in the shells, Clocky . . . . .:D

[Gizmos]

cheap glass jar and coloured sand and pop them around sides of jar and fill with sand

[tiger]

If you can find shells of varying sizes you could make shell creatures out of them. We have some that the children have brought back from holidays. There is a shell of about 2" diameter for the base and then a turtle on one and a bird on the other. The bird has a complete cockle shell (2 halves) for the body with another smaller half cockle shell glued on the front for the head, 2 halves for wings and another smaller one for the tail and beads for eyes and beak.

[clockwatcher]

Nice ideas - thanks. G&F, our local hermit crab shop has unfortunately closed down. :rolleyes: